Doosan Bobcat India

We are using the latest tools and methodologies to optimize work efficiency while minimizing environmental impact; for example, globally, we have incorporated hydrogen-powered and electric products to promote green energy and reduce pollution.
Manjunath S - Director, Sales, Doosan Bobcat India

How are Bobcat machines helping build large-scale infrastructure projects and ensuring faster project delivery, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability?

Bobcat products are engineered for high performance, durability, longevity, and reliability, offering our customers long-term value and strong resale potential. We ensure our customers get the best of performance and productivity with the total cost of operations being economical. Our innovative compact construction equipment excels in versatility, fuel efficiency, automation, safety, and with specialized attachments, making it an ideal solution for large-scale infrastructure projects in India. These advancements boost productivity, reduce costs and downtime, and minimize environmental impact which are essential factors for successful infrastructure development in India’s growing economy.

Our products integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and sustainable energy solutions. Bobcat is using the latest tools and methodologies to optimize work efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. For example, globally, we have incorporated hydrogen-powered products and electric forklifts, mini excavators, and skid steer loaders to promote green energy and reduce pollution.

We optimize production techniques to minimize costs, using strategies like Just-in-Time (JIT) to reduce inventory and enhance efficiency. Drawing on lessons from Bobcat's history, we leverage the best methods to speed up product delivery.

How is the company’s export business addressing price competitiveness and meeting logistical challenges?

Bobcat is a global company with factories in North & Latin America, Europe, China, Korea, India, and many other locations, where it is optimizing production to reduce logistics costs and ensure efficient delivery. We focus on intercompany transfers, with costs managed by other regions, and aim to fully utilize our Make-in-India factory.

Logistics challenges, especially due to ongoing global conflicts, are beyond our control and impact everyone. If these issues are resolved, it would significantly reduce logistics costs, benefiting the entire industry.

How can the government develop a strong domestic MSME sector and accelerate their growth, attract foreign investments and increase exports?

MSMEs play a crucial role in India's "Make-in-India" vision. For this initiative to succeed, MSMEs must increase exports by scaling up production volumes. To compete globally, they must invest in automation and high-quality tooling, rather than relying on lower-level mechanization that results in poor fit and finish. This investment is essential for MSMEs' growth.

However, OEMs can only do so much. The government must step in with support, such as providing soft loans for automation and tooling investments. Additionally, MSMEs must be able to compete with countries like China, where production costs are lower due to high volume. For example, in China, a domestic market of 100,000 units drives production of 1,000,000 units, improving standards and reducing costs through economies of scale. To support MSMEs, the government should provide tax benefits (such as GST incentives) to help them scale.

How can the government and industry work together to ensure that components are manufactured locally and that vendors have the technological and financial capabilities to meet international benchmarks?

Inviting foreign suppliers and expecting foreign investment is important, but developing a strong domestic MSME sector offers greater long-term benefits. Once automation, tooling, and processes are in place, Indian-manufactured components will match global standards. Success in this area will either attract foreign investment or make India self-sufficient, a goal that requires government support.

The government should facilitate high-level meetings with key industry players to identify challenges and improve standardization, helping MSMEs grow into larger, globally competitive companies. Government collaboration with MSMEs is crucial; the OEMs can support them, but the primary role lies with the government. This will enable Indian products to meet global standards, making "Made in India" products more attractive internationally.

Currently, government processes like single-window clearance and approvals often take longer than expected due to procedural delays and unwritten rules. To address this, the government should focus on building industrial parks, allowing OEMs to install their tools and begin manufacturing directly. These parks should be located in smaller cities, reducing pressure on major urban areas facing issues like water and power scarcity, pollution, and high land costs. By offering low-cost land and ready infrastructure—such as power, water, and drainage—industrial parks could support a variety of industries, especially MSMEs.

While not all sectors may fit into a single model, this approach could address 60% of MSME needs and accelerate growth. This strategy, inspired by successful industrial parks in developed countries, would streamline processes, minimize hassles, and attract both new investors and MSMEs.

What is Doosan Bobcat’s focus at bauma India? What company strengths and achievements is it showcasing?

Bobcat specializes in manufacturing compact construction equipment designed to deliver projects quickly and efficiently. Our focus is on providing high-performance, reliable, and long-lasting machinery that enhances productivity on job sites. As I mentioned earlier, longevity, reliability, and performance are core values that define our products. Our goal is to establish ourselves as the number one brand in the compact equipment sector within India. We aim to set new standards in the industry by offering solutions that meet the growing demands of construction, agriculture, and other sectors, ensuring that our customers achieve greater operational efficiency and success with every project.